By Rebekah Yancey

rebekah.yancey@hartselleenquirer.com

At its regular meeting March 29, the Hartselle City Council approved a grant application to the National Fitness Campaign for participation in their 2022 initiative to install and activate a new outdoor fitness center.

NFC develops partnerships with cities, schools and sponsors to build healthy communities. Founded in 1979 by Mitch Menaged, its goal is to build 1,000 fitness centers by 2024.

Featuring seven functional training zones, thousands of bodyweight exercises and digital programming for adults of all ages and abilities, the Fitness Court is “redefining outdoor fitness in communities across the nation,” the website reads.

The City of Hartselle will pay $92,350 and $25,000 to cover construction costs to install the center, according to Mayor Randy Garrison.

Garrison added during talks with Cullman Regional, the healthcare provider that recently opened Hartselle Health Park on Highway 31, may offset some of the cost of the fitness center.

Council members also approved an application for economic development funding for the relocation and construction of Uncle Herschel Way, which will be located near the new MAPCO gas station on Highway 36.

The estimated cost of the project, according to director of development Jeff Johnson, is $650,000.

Johnson said ADECA operates by a formula that considers both job creation and wage rate pay to determine such funding. “It could be less out-of-pocket cost for the city,” he said, estimating a savings of $200,000.

The next city council meeting will be held April 12 at 7 p.m. at the Hartselle Municipal Building.